This is the first of a series of articles in PA Environment Digest to highlight the positions of candidates for Governor on environmental, infrastructure and energy issues.

This week Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Democratic candidate for Governor put out a position paper on environmental and energy issues proposing a natural gas severance tax.

He would first use the proceeds to reverse major spending reductions in the current Department of Environmental Protection budget and then to provide resources to local communities impacted by Marcellus Shale gas extraction.

Onorato would then use the proceeds to fund the Growing Greener Program.

The other major points in his environment/energy platform include:

1. Making Pennsylvania the national leader in creating Green-collar jobs and new Green businesses;

2. Maximizing Pennsylvania’s energy production portfolio to achieve both economic and environmental benefits;

3. Keeping Pennsylvanians in their homes and jobs by lowering their energy bills;

4. Fulfilling our commitment as stewards of Pennsylvania’s environment; and

5. Encouraging smart and sustainable growth.

The full policy paper is available online

2/1/2010